Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed concerned officials to evolve a roadmap to achieve investment of US $1 billion in Greenfield project. He was presiding over a meeting of Board of Directors of Punjab Board of Investment and Trade here on Wednesday, an official disclosed.
Members Board of Directors, Chairman Planning and Development, Additional Chief Secretary and Secretaries of Agriculture, Livestock and Finance departments were also present on the occasion. The chief minister said investment in the Greenfield project was the need of the hour for rapid development of the country, elimination of poverty and unemployment.
He also said an active Board of Investment and Trade, comprising government representatives and experts in various sectors has been set up, which was not only encouraging foreign investment but also ensuring provision of necessary facilities. "Punjab is rich in natural resources and can be exploited for attaining self-reliance as well as development and prosperity of the province," he added.
The chief minister said huge foreign exchange could be earned through export of livestock and agri products to Middle East and other countries. "Talks are being organised with foreign investors for the development of these sectors and setting up of a halal meat processing plant and use of modern technology in dairy sector.
Appreciating the performance of the Board of Investment and Trade, the chief minister stressed the need for promotion of public-private partnership. He said transparency was the most important element in projects and this culture was being promoted throughout the province to ensure utilisation of every penny of public money for the welfare of the masses.
Earlier, Vice Chairman Punjab Board of Investment and Trade Pir Saad Ahsanuddin gave a detailed briefing regarding investment and promotion of public-private partnership in the province. He said special attention was being paid to food processing, corporate farming, dairy development, solid waste management and energy sectors.